POLITICIANS across the county and country have been reflecting on the Government's new white paper outlining its thoughts on devolution, which was published today (Monday, 16 December).

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner launched the paper in a speech to regional mayors, local government and business leaders, describing the plans as a "turning point" as the government seeks to slim down local governance, but also make it more relevant to communities.

It plans to strip away one form of 'two-tier' local administration by changing the roles of county and district councils – and reshaping some unitary authorities (possibly including Thurrock) – but it also wants to see regional mayors in place across the country.

Read the white paper in full.

Much of what was announced, such as greater powers for existing mayors, the government's strong preference for mayoral combined authorities and zeal for local government reorganisation, has been trailed well in advance.

Equally almost as much the detail of what – and where – changes will be instigated, have yet to be explained.

Ms Rayner's speech in Leeds encourages the creation of new unitary councils in existing two-tier areas, meaning a probable big shake-up across wider Essex where Essex County Council and a number of district councils share power and responsibility.

The new unitary councils to be formed from that change are expected to cover a population of 500,000 or more and a "first wave" is expected in this parliament. These would be larger than many existing unitary councils – in particular Thurrock Council, which is a unitary with a population of around 176,000. Southend, also a unitary, finds itself in a similar state of anxiety about what its role and size will be.

The leaders of Thurrock, Southend and Essex County councils have been talking together for some time about what might happen, ahead of today's announcements. The trio of councils have been invited to make suggestions to the government about how reshaping might take place.

Angela Rayner:

They are anticipating change and expect that future roles of councils across Essex will be overseen by a Mayor, who will take decisions on strategic, cross council issues such as transport and skills.

Mayors will receive significant new powers over housing and planning.

The white paper indicates that delivery of local services, like waste, and adult and children's services, will be delivered by the new, reshaped local councils.

It seems likely Thurrock Council leader Cllr John Kent, Cllr Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, and Essex CC leader Cllr Kevin Bentley will be having a lot more talks in coming days, weeks and months.

Cllr Kent said: "There are many more questions than answers, at the moment but devolution can help us realise the huge economic potential that exists in Thurrock, in a way that works for the benefit of our residents, helping families thrive and prosper.

"It could mean we have additional powers to make sure local services reach those that need them the most, that economic growth is directed to benefit our residents and that we can deliver transport improvements to service local people and communities.

"We will be looking closely at what local government reorganisation could mean for Thurrock and Essex. Our first consideration is what's best for the residents of Thurrock."

Cllr Cowan said: "Reorganisation gives the chance to make positive changes to local services and as a well-established unitary authority, we know the benefits of single tier local Government and are well placed to make the most of any changes.

"Most importantly though, all of this offers the opportunity to benefit the lives of local people and businesses and improve local services. This is crucial and will be at the forefront of our minds as we look to progress this."

Cllr Kevin Bentley

And Cllr Bentley added: "We are considering the opportunities and implications of the Government's invitation to submit proposals for the reorganisation of local councils.

"Residents and businesses are at the heart of all we do. We always want better services and opportunities for them. This is why we are enthusiastic about the potential of a devolution deal for Essex and more localised powers.

"We believe both will help us do an even better job for those that live or work in Essex."

Other district council leaders have also got on the front foot today, most notably Basildon Council's Labour leader, Cllr Gavin Callaghan.

While the White Paper does not specify the number of unitary authorities to be created in Essex, Basildon Council strongly advocates for its preferred option five unitary authorities. And it wants to take a leading role in one of them.

Cllr Callaghan says: "The creation of a Combined Authority, led by an elected Mayor, alongside the abolition of the two-tier system, will provide the simplicity, clarity, and efficiency that residents deserve. Our preferred model of five unitary authorities will enable Essex to deliver better services, stronger accountability, and significant cost savings, while allowing each area to retain a clear sense of local identity.

"I particularly welcome the fact that the proposed mayoral system for Essex will be the first of its kind in the South East of England.

"This is a chance for Essex to lead the way, setting a benchmark for the region and demonstrating how streamlined governance and strong leadership can deliver real benefits for our residents and businesses.

"Basildon Council is committed to working with the Government and other stakeholders to ensure these reforms deliver real and lasting benefits for Essex's residents, enabling the county to realise its full potential as a hub for economic growth, housing development, and infrastructure investment."

One possible outcome of the reforms could the postponement of some of next May's local elections, which are due in Thurrock and Essex County Council.

With cost-cutting and efficiency at the forefront of the drive for change, it seems possible that both councils would hold major elections next year, only to have to quickly repeat the exercise very quickly.

Thurrock Nub News understands the government is prepared to listen to arguments about why the planned 2025 elections, which in Thurrock will see all wards contested for the first time in decades as it switches to a four year cycle of elections, could be held back.